I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You're Near)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove to I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near) by Michael McDonald, a soulful gem from his 1982 debut solo album If That’s What It Takes. This track, peaking at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100, is a yacht rock classic with a fascinating backstory. Co-written by McDonald and Ed Sanford, the song draws inspiration from Chuck Jackson’s 1962 R&B hit of the same name, penned by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, who earned a songwriting credit due to the similarity. The recording boasts an all-star lineup, featuring Greg Phillinganes on clavinet, Steve Lukather on guitar, Jeff Porcaro on drums, and Louis Johnson laying down that iconic bassline. McDonald’s sister, Maureen, even joins in with backing vocals, adding a familial touch. Fun fact: this song’s infectious groove was sampled by Warren G and Nate Dogg in their 1994 hit Regulate, cementing its influence across genres. Posts on X from accounts like @in_yacht and @CapitalJazzClub highlight the track’s enduring popularity and its dream-team personnel, with fans marveling at how it’s the only known song where these five musicians played together.

Another tidbit comes from the song’s cultural footprint. Its smooth vibe made it a staple in pop culture, famously referenced in the 2005 comedy The 40-Year-Old Virgin, where Paul Rudd’s character hilariously threatens to “yah mo burn this place to the ground” over McDonald’s music playing on loop. McDonald himself found the parody “hysterical,” as he shared in a Rolling Stone interview, even bumping into Rudd at an airport where the actor checked if he was offended. Spoiler: McDonald was all in on the joke. The song’s emotional depth, exploring the ache of unrequited love, also resonates with fans, as McDonald’s husky baritone captures the struggle of moving on. Its crossover success, hitting the top 10 on Billboard’s Pop, R&B, and Adult Contemporary charts, showcases McDonald’s knack for blending soul, jazz, and pop into something timeless.

Michael McDonald’s journey to stardom began in Ferguson, Missouri, where he was born on February 12, 1952, into an Irish American Catholic family. Growing up, he was steeped in a mix of Broadway show tunes, R&B, and British Invasion sounds. His musical spark ignited after hearing Edwin Starr’s Stop Her on Sight (S.O.S.), which he later said “changed his life” in a 2018 Britannica interview. As a teen, McDonald honed his skills in local bands like Mike and the Majestics, Jerry Jay and the Sheratons, and the Guild while attending McCluer High School. By 1970, he was discovered playing with the band Blue and moved to Los Angeles to chase his dreams. His big break came in 1973 when he joined Steely Dan’s touring band, initially as a keyboardist but quickly shining as a vocalist for his ability to hit high notes, as he recalled in a 2016 interview: “I could sing like a girl.”

McDonald’s stint with Steely Dan led to session work on albums like Katy Lied and Aja, but his career skyrocketed in 1975 when he joined The Doobie Brothers. Initially a temporary replacement for an ill Tom Johnston, McDonald’s soulful voice and gospel-inflected keyboard style transformed the band’s sound, leading to hits like What a Fool Believes and Takin’ It to the Streets. Bassist Tiran Porter remembered being “blown away” by McDonald’s voice, cementing his role as a full-time member. After the Doobies’ 1982 split, McDonald launched his solo career with If That’s What It Takes, proving his star power. Over the years, he’s collaborated with everyone from Aretha Franklin to Thundercat, earning five Grammys and a 2020 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction with The Doobie Brothers.

Stay connected with Michael McDonald through his Facebook page, boasting over 365,000 likes, where he shares tour updates and memoir news, or follow his Instagram (@michaelmcdonaldofficial) for behind-the-scenes glimpses. On X (@MichaelMcD_Real), he engages with fans about his latest projects, like his 2024 memoir What a Fool Believes. For Zoo Freaks wanting more, check out fan communities like the Michael McDonald Fan Club on Facebook, a hub for devotees sharing concert stories and rare tracks. While no official fan websites stand out, the Doobie Brothers’ site often features McDonald’s contributions, and fan-driven posts on Reddit’s r/Music celebrate his legacy. Keep spinning those records, Zoo Crew, and let McDonald’s soulful vibes keep you forgettin’ the world!